Poker Player Could Avoid Prison Over $148 Million in Bets

Professional poker player and illegal bookmaker Damien LeForbes placed roughly $148 million in bets at a Las Vegas casino and lost more than $10 million at Resorts World. He may avoid prison time despite admitting guilt.

Federal prosecutors, together with LeForbes's lawyers, proposed probation, arguing that a sentence of 15 to 21 months in prison would be excessive. Under the proposal, LeForbes would spend four months under house arrest, attend weekly Gamblers Anonymous meetings, receive individual counseling, stop gambling, and complete 50 hours of community service.

At a hearing in Santa Ana, California, Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani has not yet approved the proposal. She requested additional documents and postponed the sentencing to December 10.

Nevada regulators found that LeForbes lost more than $10 million at Resorts World over a 16-month period that ran through December 2023. According to the regulator's complaint, the casino operator knew he was running an illegal betting operation but did not alert management. The casino continued to give LeForbes bonuses, promotional chips and gifts until March 2024.

In March 2025, Resorts World agreed to pay a $10.5 million regulatory fine over deficiencies in its anti-money laundering obligations, which involved LeForbes and another illegal bettor, Mathew Bowyer. The casino did not admit the allegations.